Electronic Sign Label with Gripper

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/442,412, filed Feb. 15, 2024, which claims priority to U.S. provisional application 63/519,548, filed Aug. 14, 2023. U.S. provisional application 63/519,548, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/442,412 and all other extrinsic references contained herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The field of the invention is electronic sign labels and store labels.

The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

Sign labels at supermarkets and other stores are an essential part of the customer experience. These small labels can quickly inform a customer with information such as the item name, price and other details so that they can properly identify a product and make an informed purchasing decision.

Recently, electronic sign labels (“ESLs”) have begun to replace paper labels in stores. These ESLs can be programmed to display the information of a traditional paper label with the added benefit that the display can be changed. This saves paper because it allows for minor adjustments to a label (such as a change in price or SKU number) without having to print a whole new label. It also allows for the use of a ESL on a new product without having to print a new label or throw away an old one.

However, ESLs have limitations. Because of the frames that house an ESL's display, the actual viewing area is reduced compared to a label of the same overall size. Additionally, most ESLs have a black and white display - color displayed ESLs are significantly more costly. Therefore, it is hard to draw attention to an item on sale or otherwise make a label stand out from the others.

Because ESLs are intended to replace paper labels, current ESLs do not provide for the addition of extra labels, such as for sales or other purposes. As such, a store using ESLs is limited in how they can present product information, offers, sales, and other important information to customers.

All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

Thus, there is still a need for an ESL that can provide expanded capabilities for additional labels and information.

The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which an electronic sign label device includes a digital display, a housing that houses the digital display and a gripper attached to an outer side of the housing that can hold a physical sign.

In embodiments, the gripper is integral to the housing.

In embodiments, the gripper is disposed on an underside of the housing.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the gripper includes first and second lateral sides that have a lip such that a label is held via friction fit.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the gripper has a lateral opening to accommodate a banner strip and a front opening to accommodate a shelf bullet.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

All publications identified herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

It should be noted that any language directed to a computer should be read to include any suitable combination of computing devices, including servers, interfaces, systems, databases, agents, peers, engines, controllers, or other types of computing devices operating individually or collectively. One should appreciate the computing devices comprise a processor configured to execute software instructions stored on a tangible, non-transitory computer readable storage medium (e.g., hard drive, solid state drive, RAM, flash, ROM, etc.). The software instructions preferably configure the computing device to provide the roles, responsibilities, or other functionality as discussed below with respect to the disclosed apparatus. In especially preferred embodiments, the various servers, systems, databases, or interfaces exchange data using standardized protocols or algorithms, possibly based on HTTP, HTTPS, AES, public-private key exchanges, web service APIs, known financial transaction protocols, or other electronic information exchanging methods. Data exchanges preferably are conducted over a packet-switched network, the Internet, LAN, WAN, VPN, or other type of packet switched network.

1 2 FIGS.and 100 100 110 120 show front and side views, respectively, of an ESLaccording to embodiments of the inventive subject matter. The ESLincludes a displayhoused in frame or housing.

100 The ESLalso includes at least one processor, memory and data exchange hardware as is known in the art, so they are not shown here.

1 2 FIGS.and 4 FIG. 100 130 130 130 120 130 100 As can be seen in, the ESLincludes a gripper. The gripperis configured to grip a label made of typical label materials such as paper, laminated paper, thin plastic, cardboard, cardstock, etc. In the embodiment shown here, the gripperis disposed along a bottom side of the housingsuch that a label that is attached to the gripperhangs under the ESL. An example of this is shown in.

130 120 130 120 100 100 130 In other embodiments, the grippercan be disposed on a side surface of the housingsuch that a side-by-side label presentation is possible. In still other embodiments, the grippercan be disposed on the top surface of the housingsuch that the additional label is presented above the ESL. In a variation of these embodiments, the ESLcan have gripperson more than one surface, such that more than one additional label can be displayed.

3 FIG. 3 FIG. 130 130 131 132 133 131 132 130 shows a close-up of the gripper, according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter. The gripperofincludes a first (front) side/lateral wall, a second (rear) side/lateral wall, and an end side wallthat joins the first and second walls,. As such, the gripperof this example has a cross-sectional “C” shape.

3 FIG. 134 135 130 130 134 135 134 131 130 Also visible in the close-up ofare lips,that can hold a label via friction fit when a label is slid into an open end of the gripper. In this example, the gripperincludes two lips,. However, it is contemplated that only a single lipcould be used that extends to the opposite wall. Alternatively, in embodiments, the grippermay have additional lips that help hold an inserted label in place.

4 FIG. 100 410 130 As noted above,provides an example of the ESLof the above embodiments with a labelinserted into the gripper.

130 120 130 120 In the embodiments shown herein, the gripperis integral to the housing. That is, it is one part manufactured together. However, in other embodiments the grippercan be a separate piece that is attached to the housing.

5 5 FIGS.A-C 5 5 FIGS.A-C 130 100 130 120 130 130 100 illustrate an embodiment of the inventive subject matter wherein the gripperis disposed on a front surface of the ESL. The grippershown inis attached to a bottom side of the front surface of the ESL housing. This forwardly-disposed grippercan make it easier to apply and remove labels from the gripperin places where there is not much space immediately below the ESL.

130 100 130 100 As discussed above, the grippercan be disposed on one of the lateral sides of the ESL. In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the grippercan be disposed on the side of the ESLand configured to receive an end of a banner strip.

On store shelves, it can be desirable to extend signage across the shelf space devoted to a particular product, which can enhance the attention-grabbing power on the shelf for that product.

130 100 100 130 130 6 FIG. 6 FIG. To do so, a banner strip can attached to a gripperdisposed on the side of the ESL.is a cross-sectional cutaway top view of the ESLwith gripperthat can accommodate a banner strip also a shelf bullet. The gripperofhas a solid bottom surface.

6 FIG. 130 136 137 As can be seen in, the gripperincludes a front openingand a lateral opening.

136 130 100 130 The front openingis arranged to receive a shelf bullet. The shelf bullet is a sign that occupies the space in front of the gripperbetween the ESLand a banner strip, maximizing the possible message space. The shelf bullet can extend downward below the gripperto increase the available message area for display.

137 The lateral openingis arranged to receive one end of a banner strip.

6 FIG. 6 FIG. 130 138 130 130 130 As is visible in the view of, the gripperhas a heavy side wall. A “heavy side wall” is one of sufficient strength to hold its form when forces associated with the banner and/or the shelf bullet are applied to it. The grippercan be made of plastic, metal, or other materials. The heavy side wall is important in embodiments such as the one of, where the gripperdoes not have a top surface, so that the banner strip and/or shelf bullet can be inserted via the open top. However, in embodiments, the grippercan also have a top surface that can be removable to aid in the introduction of banner strips and/or shelf bullets.

7 FIG. 100 130 710 137 720 136 shows a cross-sectional cutaway view from the top of the ESLwith the gripperhaving a first end of banner stripinserted into lateral openingand a shelf bullet(also known as a hanging banner) inserted into the front opening.

7 FIG. 7 FIG. 7 FIG. 710 100 100 730 710 100 130 711 721 721 As seen in, the other end of banner stripcan be attached to a second ESLB. ESLB has a gripperthat has a lateral opening to receive the end of the banner strip. Also visible inis that ESLB includes its own gripperthat can receive another banner stripand a shelf bullet. The shelf bulletis typically visible from the sides, and extends outward from the shelf as seen in.

8 FIG. 7 FIG. shows the embodiment ofas visualized on a store shelf.

8 FIG. 810 820 810 811 821 821 810 820 The shelf space onshows shelf space for two products, a first product(“French Onion Soup Gummies”) and a second product“Organic Mountain Air”. The dimensions of the shelf space for productis shown by linesand, with linedepicting the boundary between the space for productand the space for product.

710 130 100 730 100 A banner stripadvertising the “French Onion Soup Gummies” is shown extending between the gripperof the ESLand gripperof ESLB, displaying the sale of the product for that day only.

720 130 100 720 Extending outwardly from the page is shelf bullet, that extends outwardly from the gripperof ESL. Shelf bulletwould be visible to a shopper walking down the aisle at the store before they get to this section of the shelf.

130 130 136 137 134 135 130 6 FIG. 3 FIG. It is contemplated that, in embodiments, the gripperofcan have sets of one or more lips within the gripper, which can be at each of the openings,(such as lips,shown in) or at other positions within the gripper, to help secure a shelf bullet and/or banner strip end, respectively.

9 FIG. 130 934 720 710 shows a focused cross-sectional top view of gripperhaving a single lipthat can secure both a shelf bulletand end of a banner strip, according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

9 FIG. 934 710 720 934 710 720 130 130 710 720 710 720 710 720 As seen in, the single lipis capable of creating a friction hold for both the banner stripthat and the shelf bullet. In this embodiment, the single lipis sufficient to create the friction hold with each of the banner stripand the shelf bulletindividually against the respective sides of the gripper. Thus, the gripperis capable of securing only one of either the banner stripor the shelf bulletindividually (if for example only one of the banner stripor the shelf bulletare inserted) or securing both the banner stripand the shelf bullet.

10 FIG. 1030 1034 1035 710 720 1034 1035 710 1034 720 1034 139 130 shows a close-up of a gripperhaving lips,that can be used to secure the banner stripand the shelf bullet. In the embodiment shown here, the lipsandtogether hold the banner stripin place and the lipholds the shelf bulletvia a friction fit between the lipand the wallof the gripper.

1034 1035 136 137 138 130 710 720 1034 1035 720 710 The arrangement of the lips,can depend on the location of the openings,along the side walland can also depend on the intended use of the gripper(for the types of materials, weight, etc. of the intended banner stripsand/or shelf bullet). For example, the arrangement of the lips,can be such that the two lips hold the shelf bulletinstead of the banner strip.

130 130 720 710 136 137 138 710 720 It is contemplated that additional lips can be used in gripper, depending on the factors such as the size of the gripper, the materials and size of the shelf bulletand/or banner strip, the location of the openings,along the side walland other factors. For example, it is contemplated that three or more lips can be used such that each of the banner stripand the shelf bulletare secured by a pair of lips.

6 10 FIGS.- 130 131 132 133 131 132 139 130 120 139 In, the sides of the grippercan be identified for reference purposes as a first (front) side/wall, a second (rear) side/walland an end wallthat joins the first and second sides,. The fourth sideof the gripperis considered to be the side that is shared with the housingand can be referred to as a housing sidefor ease of understanding.

9 10 FIGS.and 9 FIG. 10 FIG. 130 130 934 1034 1035 130 In the embodiments of, the lips can originate from one or more of the walls of the gripper. For example, the lip be disposed on a corner between two adjacent sides of the gripper(such as the lipofand the lips,of). However, a lip can also be disposed entirely on one side/wall of the gripper.

The discussion herein provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.